FKA twigs Takes Legal Fight Back to Court, Challenging NDA in Case Against Shia LaBeouf
The singer alleges attempts to silence her voice as the legal battle resurfaces
March 25, 2026
FKA twigs is once again taking legal action against her former partner Shia LaBeouf—and this time, the focus has shifted toward a deeper question about silence, control, and the limits of legal agreements in cases involving abuse.
According to reporting by The Hollywood Reporter, the singer has filed a new lawsuit alleging that LaBeouf attempted to use a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to prevent her from speaking publicly about the abuse she says she endured during their relationship.
Image: Shannon Finney/Getty Images for RIAA
This latest legal move comes after years of highly publicized proceedings between the two—turning what was once a personal case into a broader conversation about accountability, legal boundaries, and the evolving role of NDAs in the entertainment industry.
A Case That Never Truly Ended
The roots of this legal battle go back to 2020, when twigs—whose real name is Tahliah Barnett—filed a lawsuit accusing LaBeouf of sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress.
FKA twigs and Shia LaBeouf. Photograph: AP
The case quickly became one of the most widely discussed legal disputes in Hollywood, not only because of the serious nature of the allegations but also because of the visibility of both individuals involved.
In 2025, the lawsuit was settled privately, with both parties agreeing to resolve the matter outside of court. However, like many settlements, the details were not made public—leaving questions about what the agreement included and how it would shape what came next.
Now, with this new filing, it’s clear that the story didn’t end there.
At the heart of the new lawsuit is the NDA itself.
Twigs claims that the agreement was used—or attempted to be used—to restrict her ability to speak about her experiences. According to additional reports, the situation escalated when LaBeouf allegedly initiated arbitration proceedings, claiming that statements she made publicly violated the terms of that agreement.
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Her legal team, however, is pushing back against that idea.
The argument is straightforward but significant: NDAs should not be enforceable if they are being used to silence allegations related to abuse. This position reflects a growing legal and cultural shift, where such agreements are increasingly being challenged in court.
What makes this case particularly notable is not just the allegation itself, but what it represents—a test of how far these agreements can go.
Beyond Two Individuals—A Larger Industry Conversation
While the lawsuit centers on twigs and LaBeouf, its implications extend far beyond their relationship.
In recent years, the entertainment industry has faced increasing scrutiny over the use of NDAs, particularly in cases involving misconduct. Critics argue that these agreements have sometimes been used to protect reputations at the expense of transparency.
This case now enters that conversation.
By challenging the enforceability of the NDA, twigs is effectively questioning whether such legal tools should be allowed to limit discussions about alleged harm. It’s a legal argument that could have wider consequences—not just for this case, but for how similar agreements are viewed in the future.
What Has Been Said—and What Has Not
It’s important to note that while the lawsuit introduces new claims, the case itself is ongoing.
LaBeouf has previously denied many of the allegations made against him, although he has publicly acknowledged struggles with his behavior and personal issues in the past.
As of now, there has been no final ruling on the latest filing, and the situation remains subject to legal proceedings.
That means much of what is being discussed is still being evaluated within the court system, where evidence, contracts, and legal arguments will ultimately determine the outcome.
Why This Moment Feels Different
There’s a reason this development is gaining attention again.
It’s not just because of the individuals involved—it’s because of the timing.
Conversations around power, accountability, and legal protections have shifted significantly in recent years. What may have once been standard practice is now being questioned, re-examined, and, in some cases, challenged in court.
This lawsuit sits right at the intersection of that shift.
A Story Still Being Written
Unlike many celebrity headlines that fade quickly, this is one that continues to evolve.
Each new development adds another layer—not just to the case itself, but to the broader conversation it represents.
And while the final outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear:
This is no longer just about what happened in the past.
Emily Watson is a celebrity and lifestyle contributor at Trendora Magazine, sharing celebrity news, fashion moments, and lifestyle trends. Her writing brings a relatable, human touch to today’s most talked-about stories.
